Provide Advance Warning
Keeping commitments make a statement about your personal brand; who you are and what you stand for. We all know that, however, there are “some” who ignore the consequences of not providing fair warning that there has been a detour to their original plan. This applies to all aspects of life including career, prospective clientele, and team meetings.
Due to the BART strike in San Francisco, and even though I left 20 minutes earlier than normal for a relatively short distance, I recognized I would be ten minutes late for an appointment. Pulling over to the side of the road, I called the client to let her know. Upon arriving we had a wonderful conversation.
On the other hand, expecting help from his Manager in anticipation of presenting a complex proposal, Charles was dismayed upon arriving at the office that his Manager was not there. Charles waited an hour and then emailed asking time of arrival to go over the proposal. The manager responded, “Ask someone else”. Time will tell how long Charles remains on the job. As he relayed the story, he also shared that management is upset by their high turnover!
Unexpected circumstances occur occasionally. Honesty is the best policy, and equally strong is to give forewarning to the party awaiting your arrival or phone call. They will be far more likely to be appreciative and accommodating than if the time previously set were to be ignored. It’s the honesty and building of your brand that will lead you to the Smooth Sale!
Read Addtional Strategies and Techniques:
INSPIRED Business A New Vision for Building Business and Communities, Motivational Press
Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results, Sourcebooks
HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews, Career Press
